The Middle East is witnessing a surge in youthful talent, reshaping industries and driving innovation. This year, Forbes Middle East has once again highlighted the region’s most promising individuals under the age of 30 with its annual 30Under30 list for 2025. The list, a benchmark for emerging leaders, showcases the dynamism and potential of the next generation across various sectors. Notably, the United Arab Emirates stands out as a hub for these young achievers, hosting a significant portion of those recognized.
Forbes Middle East’s 30Under30: A Celebration of Youthful Innovation
Forbes Middle East recently unveiled its eighth annual 30Under30 list, a highly anticipated compilation that celebrates the region’s brightest young minds. This year’s edition features 113 individuals from 24 nationalities, representing a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise. The selection process is rigorous, focusing on impact, innovation, and demonstrable success within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The list is divided into three key categories: Business & Finance, Social Impact, Sports & Lifestyle, and Science & Technology, each with 30 honorees.
UAE Dominates the 2025 List with a Strong Showing
The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a leading destination for young talent, and the 2025 30Under30 list reflects this. A remarkable 34 individuals (30%) featured on the list are based in the UAE, demonstrating the country’s commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. This strong representation underscores the UAE’s position as a regional leader in attracting and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
The UAE honorees span a variety of fields. Among them is Fatima Al Shamsi, a PhD candidate at Khalifa University and KU Leuven, showcasing the nation’s investment in advanced education. Jawhar Al Ameri, a leading researcher and head of Laser Systems Engineering at Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute, exemplifies the UAE’s focus on cutting-edge technology. Noura Al Marri, the co-founder and CEO of BioHarv, highlights the growing biotech sector. Safia Al Hashimi, an Assistant Professor and researcher in Mechanical Engineering at NYU Abu Dhabi, demonstrates the strength of academic research. Sara Al Ameri, a sustainability activist, represents the UAE’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Finally, Ahmed bin Abdulrahman Al Ghardaqa, a legal consultant involved with COP28 and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Arab Youth Council on Climate Change, showcases the UAE’s leadership on global issues.
Diverse Nationalities and Sectoral Representation
While the UAE boasts the highest number of honorees, the 30Under30 list is a testament to the diverse talent pool within the MENA region. Egyptians lead with 19 entries, followed closely by Saudi Arabia with 18 and Lebanon with 15. Jordan shares the spotlight with the UAE, also having 6 representatives. This broad geographical representation highlights the widespread innovation occurring across the region.
The sectoral breakdown reveals a strong emphasis on business and finance, with 42 individuals recognized in this category. Social impact, sports, and lifestyle follow with 36, and science and technology with 35. This distribution reflects the evolving priorities of the region, with a growing focus on entrepreneurship, social responsibility, and technological advancement. The average age of those featured on the list is 26.9 years, emphasizing the youthful energy driving these changes. Young entrepreneurs are particularly prominent, launching ventures that address local and global challenges.
Rigorous Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
Forbes Middle East emphasizes the thoroughness of its selection process. Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by others, initiating a competitive pool of candidates. An initial screening narrows the field to approximately 200 potential honorees. These candidates are then evaluated by a panel of external judges, experts in their respective fields, who provide recommendations for the final list.
The evaluation isn’t solely based on quantitative metrics. Forbes employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative criteria, assessing the impact of each candidate on their industry, market, and community. Key factors include tangible achievements like funding raised, revenue generated, awards received, deal values, audience reach, and social media presence. This holistic approach ensures that the 30Under30 list truly represents the most influential and promising young leaders in the region. Innovation in the MENA region is clearly a driving force behind the selections.
Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright
The 2025 Forbes Middle East 30Under30 list is more than just a recognition of past achievements; it’s an investment in the future. These young leaders are not only shaping their respective industries but also contributing to the overall economic and social development of the MENA region. Their stories serve as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators, demonstrating that age is no barrier to making a significant impact. The continued success of initiatives like this will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of the region’s youth and driving sustainable growth. The list encourages further youth empowerment and provides a platform for these individuals to connect and collaborate.